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DayDreamer
Knowflake

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posted June 22, 2006 07:30 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for DayDreamer     Edit/Delete Message
the most important meal of the day, right?

Well how do you get yourself to eat breakfast? Im personally either running out of time in the morning or dont have the stomach for it. But I later regret not eating it.

So what do you guys eat for breakfast?

Im looking for some alternatives to the typical cereal, toast and eggs routine.

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Touchstone
Knowflake

Posts: 255
From: York, UK
Registered: Apr 2005

posted June 22, 2006 07:41 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Touchstone     Edit/Delete Message
I often have a bowl of freshly chopped fruit (banana/blueberries/strawberries/kiwi fruit/grapes/apple) topped with natural yogurt and a sprinkling of wheat bran or a crumbled up ginger cookie.

It tastes great and makes me feel fresh and bright-eyed for the day ahead!

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DayDreamer
Knowflake

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posted June 22, 2006 07:48 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for DayDreamer     Edit/Delete Message
Yumm...that sounds good. Im writing those ingredients down on my grocery list.

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Nebel
Knowflake

Posts: 260
From: Australia
Registered: Aug 2002

posted June 22, 2006 10:09 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Nebel     Edit/Delete Message
Hiya DayDreamer

Everyone is going to have a different opinion on this. Some people say no breakfast is best. Others say that a light breakfast is best (fruit, yoghurt etc.). Still others say that breakfast should be the biggest meal of the day.

When advising my patients, I try to balance my advice by working with the individual, rather than from a model. However as a general suggestion for you to consider:

-in Traditional Chinese Medicine, the stomach is MOST active in the morning - between approx 7am and 11am. This means that you are better off eating a bigger meal at breakfast, rather than at dinner time.

-in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), they say that the stomach responds best to warm foods. Cool or raw foods 'put out' the digestive fire and can upset digestive secretions. Raw foodist say this is a good thing. TCM says this results in a weak stomach, digestive problems, weight problems etc.

-From a Naturopathic point of view, a meal taken within two hours of waking up speeds up your metabolism, prevents blood sugar falls, and helps maintain your weight. This works best if you eat a snack every two hours or so during the day.

-Naturopathy also suggests that if you eat a decent breakfast and lunch, you are less likely to want sugary and/or starchy snacks in the afternoon.

-From Ayurveda, they suggest that breakfast be taken within two hours of waking, but AFTER showering (maintaining cleanliness is very important). Showering BEFORE breakfast also prevents the digestive fire being disrupted by the hot water.

-I would also suggest that you find out your Dosha type (in ayurveda) and blood type. These details can help you design the most appropriate breakfast for YOU.

-I would also say that any changes you make should be done gradually. For example, you may want to start off by eating a smaller meal, gradully increasing the size as you feel comfortable. This is a hard habit to change. It took me months to be able to stomach breakfast - but i'm glad I made the effort.

Here are a few suggestions that work for ME. Like I said, if you know your blood and dosha type - these can help you tailor your diet to suit your body.

-sugar free baked beans on rye sourdough w-w/o spinach or some other cooked greens.
-oat porridge with pumpkin seeds, tinned pears and yoghurt.
-any vegie soup with tofu, chicken or beans.
-Chinese rice porridge (kongee/congee) with sea kombu, chicken, ginger and carrot.
-lentil burgers with yoghurt and steamed vegies.

All of the above suggestions are simple to make - I cook my family breakfast every morning - and will sustain you through to lunch (but I suggest you have at least two snacks)

I hope this helps
Nebel

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salome
Knowflake

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posted June 23, 2006 01:22 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for salome     Edit/Delete Message
as for a light but very nutritious breakfast...that will heal and detoxify your system, try the following (it's so delicious) ~

shitake-carrot-daikon soup

soak one dried shitake mushroom (Donko is best) for one hour or overnight in 1 1/2 cups of water. slice the mushroom and discard the stem. place the mushroom soaking water and sliced mushroom in a pot. bring to boil. lower flame, and simmer uncovered 20 minutes or until one cup of the liquid is left. while mushroom is simmering, grate 1/8 cup daikon radish and 1/4 cup carrot...when mushroom broth is cooked, place daikion and carrot, plus a pea sized piece of umeboshi plum into a bowl and pour the shitake broth over it.

eat this soup first thing in the morning before any other food is eaten. it helps cut fats, lowers cholesterol and triglycerides, reduces weight and cellulite, helps melt tumors and cysts, detoxifies the liver, and relaxes, refreshes and cleanses the entire body.

from a nutritional healer by the name of Lino Stanchich. his book about how you eat is just as important as what you eat, called 'The Power Eating Program', contains vital and excellent information. he survived life in a concentration camp while others in the same camp died. he shares his technique in this book...and it revolves around chewing your food. this technique is the reason that he, and others who utilised his method, both survived and remained healthy and strong when others in the camp died from the harsh atmosphere and the poor quality of the food.

his bio ~

Lino Stanchich is a macrobiotic educator, researcher, and counselor with over 30 years experience. He is a respected teacher of the macrobiotic diet, philosophy, and lifestyle, along with energy exercises (Chi Kung), shiatsu massage, Do-In self-massage, and special eating techniques. Mr. Stanchich serves on the faculty of the Kushi Institute and is a member of the Kushi Institute Macrobiotic Educators Association. A Licensed Nutritionist, Mr. Stanchich is a multi-lingual educator who has established several macrobiotic learning centers in the United States.

He has lectured at many major macrobiotic centers throughout the world, as well as at universities, corporations, and the United Nations Macrobiotic Organization. Author of the popular book, Power Eating Program, You Are How You Eat, creator of "Healing Mealtime Music" cassette, the dynamic self-massage and exercise video "Energize Yourself", and "Laugh for the Health of It" on laughter therapy. Lino has appeared on a variety of radio and television shows.

http://www.atasteofhealth.org/homepage_load.htm?events/presenters.htm

i find merit in both the mcarobiotic approach and raw foods approach to health. sometimes the two seem to contradict each other.

a good book that combines macrobiotic principles with a raw food diet is 'Dining in the Raw' by Rita Romano.

love, blessings and health...salome

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DayDreamer
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posted June 24, 2006 02:15 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for DayDreamer     Edit/Delete Message
Hi Nebel youve convinced me of how important eating breakfast really is. Thank you for posting all these great suggestions. I need to learn how to make these. I know a homeopathic doctor who told my grandmother to drink warm honey lemon water first thing in the morning to cleanse and freshen the body. Have you heard anything about this....there are other herbal drinks that my family recommends, but I dont know their english names.

Know any good online Dosha tests? Ive tried a few online and get different dosha types every the time. Gotta find out my blood type...I think my mother's an O and my father's a B, so that means Im either one of them. I tend to gravitate to sweet, fatty, warm and moist foods vs salty, dry, cold and starchy foods. (btw, what's your profession?)

Salome thanks for posting the shitake-carrot-daikon soup recipe. Never tried daikon before. Soup for breakfast could definitely work. Im trying to develop a taste for raw foods and get away from meat...but dont know how...Im a little worried I'll get weak, and become even more anemic if I do.

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salome
Knowflake

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posted June 24, 2006 02:43 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for salome     Edit/Delete Message
that soup will help boost your blood Daydreamer...the healing properties in shitake mushroom are almost magical...and umeboshi plum too...

here's something that might help with anemia...during my pregnancy i became so anemic that my midwife thought i'd have to go into the hospital...nothing i tried corrected it. until i began taking these supplements...and i was fine after that until babe was born ~ super healthy!

Hema-Plex offers the highest potency, most complete hematinic formula available, with amino acid, chelated Iron and superior antioxidant protection.

As part of its commitment to quality, Nature's Plus always uses the most current, controlled techniques to prevent the damaging effects of moisture, light and oxidation for all its products.

Vitamin C (proprietary esterified complex - ascorbyl palmitate, ascorbic acid, magnesium ascorbate, potassium ascorbate, zinc ascorbate) 300 mg Vitamin E (d-alpha tocopheryl acetate) 30 IU Vitamin B-1 (thiamine hydrochloride) 25 mg Vitamin B-2 (as riboflavin) 25 mg Niacin (as niacinamide) 50 mg Vitamin B-6 (as pyridoxine hydrochloride) 25 mg Folate (as folic acid) 400 mcg Vitamin B-12 (as cyanocobalamin) 500 mcg Pantothenic acid (as calcium pantothenate) 25 mg Calcium (as amino acid chelate/complex) 25 mg Iron (as amino acid chelate/complex) 85 mg Zinc (as monomethionine) 5 mg Copper (as amino acid chelate) 2 mg Manganese (as amino acid chelate/complex) 5 mg Selenium (as amino acid complex) 10 mcg L-Cysteine (free form amino acid) 50 mg Proanthoplex [proprietary proanthocyanidin / bioflavonoid complex - bioflavonoid from citrus limon exocarp, bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus fruit), blackberry (Rubus villosus fruit), green tea (Camellia sinesis leaf), black & red raspberry (Rubus fruit) 25 mg Beet (Beta vulgaris) 15 mg Bioperine (Piper nigrum fruit extract) (standardized 95%[2.37mg] 1-piperoylpiperidine) 2.5 mg

http://www.hsu.com/vity_award/brand/nplus_hemaplex.htm

you can find this in any good natural foods market.


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salome
Knowflake

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posted June 24, 2006 03:06 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for salome     Edit/Delete Message
and often anemia isn't caused by a lack of iron or lack of anything meat provides...it's the absorption of these nutrients that's faulty. often correcting the balance of b vitamins, or other nutrients that help with iron absorption, in your diet will help with anemia also.

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DayDreamer
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posted June 24, 2006 04:06 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for DayDreamer     Edit/Delete Message
Salome you really know your foods. Umeboshi plum? Where do you go shopping?

Totally...it's not the amount of Iron you consume alone but if you can absorb it...and I think my problem is the later. And same problem nothing really helps...I used to get vit b injections but stopped because I didnt notice a difference.

Im going to give Hema-plex a try...ive never seen it before. I noticed calcium in the ingredient list. Although calcium is important for replenishing the bone marrow, where rbc are fromed, Ive read that it interferes with iron absorption when taken at the same time...maybe because it quantities are small enough it doesnt have that effect?

Thanks

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salome
Knowflake

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posted June 24, 2006 04:09 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for salome     Edit/Delete Message
hi

most natural foods markets carry umeboshi plum...available at asian markets as well.

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DayDreamer
Knowflake

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posted June 24, 2006 04:15 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for DayDreamer     Edit/Delete Message
Hi...kewl I'll check out the natural foods store before I head done to the pacific mall or china town around here.

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salome
Knowflake

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posted June 24, 2006 04:29 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for salome     Edit/Delete Message
The word Umeboshi means dried plum. It is actually a species of apricot. It has been used as food and medicine in China, Korea and Japan.

Freshly picked plums are first washed and then dried on rice mats, by exposing them to the sunshine. The plums are also left out during the night. At that time dew forms and softens the plums. The next day the sunshine again dries them, and the following night the dew softens them again. This process is repeated for several days. As a result the plums become smaller and many wrinkles appear.

At that time the plums are packed in barrels, together with white crude sea salt, and covered by a weight. Through the action of salt and pressure the plums begin to shrink, and their juice starts to collect at the bottom of the barrel. Since the plums have been well - dried, this juice does not cover the plums.

Ume contains protein, minerals and fat in twice the amount found in other fruits. In particular calcium, iron and phosphorus are abundant.

Ume is also much richer in organic acids (especially citric acid and phosphoric acid) than any other fruit. These acids are not broken down in the pickling process.

ALKALINIZING EFFECT OF UMEBOSHI:

We can maintain a weak alkaline pH (of about 7.35) in our blood by regularly consuming umeboshi. Without exaggerating, the ume has been named "the king of alkaline foods." By taking 10 grams of umeboshi we can neutralize the acidity created by consuming 100 grams of sugar. The strength of this alkalinizing effect is due to three factors:

* The abundance of citric acid makes the absorption in the small intestine of alkaline minerals, such as iron, magnesium, etc., from other foods, much easier. Citric acid combines with those minerals from other foods, creating an easy to absorb mineral salt.

* Umeboshi itself contains high amounts of alkaline minerals such as iron, calcium, manganese, potassium, etc. Because these minerals are digested in the presence of citric acid, their absorption is insured.

* Citric acid breaks down the lactic acid in our blood and tissues.

OTHER COMPONENTS OF UMEBOSHI

* Picric Acid: This acid supports and stimulates the function of the liver. Umeboshi also helps the liver to clean out artificial chemicals from our body.

* Catechin Acid: This acid speeds up the peristaltic movement of the intestines; it also has an antiseptic effect, and promotes the digestion of proteins.

* Pectin Acid: This acid is present in the umeboshi peel. It has a laxative effect.


GENERAL PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECT OF UMEBOSHI

PREVENTION OF FATIGUE

Fatigue is usually caused by an accumulation of acids (lactic acid, pyruvic acid), which are not broken down fast enough by the body metabolism. Our blood becomes acidic when we consume excessive amounts of very yin or very yang foods (such as sugar, refined flour, and animal foods), as well as by a lack of oxygen consumption (often caused by a lack of movement or exercise). (For a better understanding of yin and yang you may click on this file).

Acidification of the blood stream makes us more susceptible to infectious diseases, liver diseases and diseases correlated with aging. As we mentioned before, umeboshi supplies the substances to secure a fast breakdown of an excess of acids in the body.

PREVENTION OF AGING

Aging simply speaking is a process of oxidation ("rusting" is also an oxidation). Umeboshi, as well as tamari soy sauce, have an anti-oxidizing effect on the blood.

STIMULATION OF DETOXICATION

Because umeboshi supports the metabolism, the energy supply to continuously active cells, such as kidney and liver cells, is secured. These organs can thus perform their normal detoxifying functions at a more efficient level.

The combined influence of these three physiological effects of umeboshi serve to rejuvenate the body and increase vitality.

http://home.iae.nl/users/lightnet/paramahamsa/umeboshi.htm


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salome
Knowflake

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posted June 24, 2006 04:30 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for salome     Edit/Delete Message
find online ~
http://www.qualitynaturalfoods.com/shopnew/umeboshi.html

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Nebel
Knowflake

Posts: 260
From: Australia
Registered: Aug 2002

posted June 25, 2006 01:15 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Nebel     Edit/Delete Message
Hiya DayDreamer

I think THE most important thing you can do with breakfast is to try new things and work out what works best for you.

This morning I made an omlette with steamed vegies, yesterday I had Chinese rice porridge with red dates and ginger. There are SOOOO many new recipies to try

When I first started eating breakfast (after a years of eating a 'fruit only' breakfast of the 'Fit For Life'/Harvey Diamond fame (I have SOOOOOO many issues with that book!!)) I made a light miso soup with tofu and seaweed with whatever fresh vegies i could find (snow peas, spinach, beans etc.) It isn't heavy, it is a very nutritious start to the day and it is warming (after years of eating fruit only I had a very weak digestion).

Your Grandmother is right (there is another post on lemons on this forum - I go into detail about how good lemons are on that) a drink of warm lemon and water first thing in the morning has so many health benefits (Cleanses your liver, stimulates your digestive secretions, flushes mucous from your body and alkinizes your system for starters).

Don't worry too much about the dosha type - usually your body knows what it needs in the morning and you will naturally go for that food. For example, I am a Kapha dosha (You sound to me like you may be a Kapha dosha too) - so I try to avoid oily and/or milky foods in the morning becasue these make me feel 'heavy'. If you were a pitta dosha, you would avoid spicy foods becasue these would make you feel 'hotter'. It can be as simple as that - keep looking on the net becasue there are some great sites that explain it simply.

If your parents are B and O, I can assume that you have a stronger digestive system than most people, so eggs, fish and milk are all on the menu for you in the morning. How about a simple meal of grilled fish and steamed vegies with a squeeze of lemon and some parsley? Forget all the 'rules' about breakfast and do what feels good. Still i suggest that you find out your blood type some day - there are some great sites on the net about blood type and diet.

You mention that you want to get away from meat and develop a taste for raw foods. Why? Becasue someone says that this is the way to eat? I just want to suggest that you please listen to your own body and don't follow what other people say - even me. These are all suggestions - not absolutes.

As for my profession - I am a naturopath - in my third year of study. I want to study acupuncture some day too

Good luck with it all
Nebel

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DayDreamer
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posted June 26, 2006 07:26 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for DayDreamer     Edit/Delete Message
Salome ,

Thank you for all the info on umeboshi. I checked out a health food store and found daikon, but it was pickled...do you use fresh daikon? And I didnt realize just how expensive fresh shitake mushrooms were. I can use the dehydrated version though right?

Hi Nebel ,

Thanks for the breakfast ideas...is there a cookbook you use, where you get all these great sounding breakfast recipes?

Why do I want to get away from meat? For one, I sorta feel guilty that I eat it, esp when Im around friends that dont eat meat and are vegetarians. Also, Ive read in some astro interpretations that I should restrict how much meat I eat for aggressive reasons. Not sure how true that is.

That's kewl you're a naturopath! Dont think Ive ever visited one before...how similar is it to homeopathy? Ive visited some odd ones before...one had a magic wand, and another who was also a chiropractor put small quantites of different foods on the abdominen to check to see if there were any allergies to that food. Have you heard any of these techniques before?

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salome
Knowflake

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posted June 28, 2006 01:36 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for salome     Edit/Delete Message
hi Daydreamer ~

yes fresh daikon is a root that looks like a cream colored carrot. please use the fresh root.

and the recipe calls for dried shitake mushroom -- the reason for soaking the mushroom and using the water for the broth. dried shitakes are not expensive. as for fresh shitakes, they are good for other recipes. their expense may be due to their minimal weight. once you purchase the amount you wish, you may find their cost lower than it seemed.

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DayDreamer
Knowflake

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posted June 30, 2006 12:42 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for DayDreamer     Edit/Delete Message
Hey Salome,

Ok, this weekend I'll stop through China town because I havent been able to find fresh daikon in any of the stores here.

You're right fresh shitake mushrooms probably dont come out to as much money because they're fairly light weight. The last store I went to was selling it for like $10/11 a kg or lb...I cant remember exactly.

Well so far Ive tried some shitake mushrooms in a rice vermecelli stir fry...it's got a distinct taste, different from other fungi Ive tried. Looking forward to making the soup recipe with daikon.

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salome
Knowflake

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posted July 02, 2006 08:01 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for salome     Edit/Delete Message
i would buy daikon root at a community co-op, or i think whole foods carried it also. it didn't seem as difficult to find as it is for you.

i loved that soup...does great things for your body.

i'll post more recipes from Lino Stanchich if you're interested. they come from a pamphlet he made available when he visited my place of employment.

blessings, salome

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